8 Places You Must Visit in Japan

Japan was not very high on my list of priorities, but luckily it was right at the top of my husband's bucket list. So when we planned our first trip to Asia, we both compromised a little and we tailored an itinerary that included both Japan and SE Asia (Bali, Bangkok & the Angkor temples). But even after buying the flights to Tokyo, my expectations didn't skyrocket. I was mostly enthusiastic about eating sushi and visiting a cat cafe than anything else. So there was plenty of room to be surprised.

The truth is, after 3 weeks in Japan, I was sold. Strike that. I was actually sold in the first few hours in Tokyo, right after my mind cleared a bit of the fog it was submerged into during the intercontinental flight. Now I regret not getting lessons on how to speak Japanese. The scenarios revealing in front of me were so different from everything I had previously known and so unbelievable, that I gave in and only days into our trip, I already knew Japan was the most amazing country I've ever been too and probably I'll ever go to. Its culture is so uniquely beautiful, the customs so incredible and the people so civilized, that it almost makes my eyes water. 

During our trip to Japan, we used a JR Pass, and this gave us great mobility and flexibility when it came to exploring different parts of the country. It also made the formalities swifter, as we avoided the queues in front of the ticket offices. But what we both liked best about this travel style was that, all in all, we didn't need much planning ahead and we could allow spontaneity to take over from time to time. So we ended up exploring quite a few places in Kanto, Chubu and Kinki regions in central Japan. Here are only the ones we consider a definite must see.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN JAPAN

Tokyo

Tokyo grew on me in unexpected ways, to the point that I know refer to it as my favorite city in the whole world. Of course, this is highly subjective, but as I think anyone who visited this mad city would agree, Tokyo is a different world altogether.

You'll probably either love it or hate it, but there's little space in between for this place to leave you cold. What makes Tokyo so special in my eyes is simple: the people.

Don't expect either futuristic nor beautiful architecture. But with over 13 million people walking it's streets every day, the capital of Japan definitely has a soul and multiple personalities. Best places to see my point proven right are a stop at Shibuya and a stroll through Yoyogi Park on a Sunday.

For a comprehensive list of attractions, we wrote an article about our favorite places in Tokyo.

Kyoto

Kyoto is the most Zen city I know. And while most buildings and even the people here keep a low profile, from time to time it's impossible not to be surprised by a pretty lady in kimono crossing your path or the worship places that dot the city.

Kyoto has more temples and shrines than any other place in Japan. Seeing them all would be a tremendous task, as one would need to spend months on end here doing nothing but sightseeing. What's even more surprising, is that not only the large or popular temples and shrines are an eye candy, but the quiet and hidden ones too.

However, my favorite attractions in Kyoto remain the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine and the Golden Pavilion, but if you are in search of a bit of peace and quiet in the middle of nature, don't miss the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest, on the outskirts of Kyoto, either.

Nikko

Nikko is home to some of the most lavishly decorated temples and shrines in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Far from the tempered traditional Japanese architectural style, the buildings here are gilded and adorned in excess. It is a beautiful and unique sight.

The paths connecting the temples are framed by a forest of giant cedar trees, no less impressive than the man-made structures. The whole complex can be seen in approximately 3 hours, but it takes a 2-hour train ride to get here from Tokyo, so it is better to plan your day in advance and start early.

If you want to know more about Nikko, you can read our article about 3-day trips from Tokyo.

Nara

Nara was once the capital of Japan and, therefore, remains a very interesting place to visit. It can be easily reached by JR from either Osaka or Kyoto in just under 1 hour.

The shrines and temples of Nara are included on the UNESCO Heritage Sites list, and though there's plenty to see and do here, all the attractions are pretty much grouped together and walking from one to another is extremely pleasant and entertaining.

Everything is encompassed inside the Nara Park and intriguing Japanese elements can be found every step of the way, plus over 1,200 sika deer roam freely all over the place and visitors can even buy them crackers and feed them. This is a must visit place especially if you travel with kids or are an animal lover yourself.

We published more photos from Nara here.

Kamakura

Kamakura is just 1-hour train ride from Tokyo, a quiet little residential town that can make a very pleasant and relaxing day trip.

Its most famous sight is the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in, the second largest bronze Buddha in Japan. But there are many Zen temples and Shinto shrine to be discovered  here and one day might not be enough to explore them all.

Compared to big cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo or Nagoya, Kamakura is an oasis of peace and quiet that you will come to appreciate once you've spent a few days in any of the above-mentioned metropolises.

If you want to know more about Kamakura, you can read our article about 3-day trips from Tokyo.

Magome

Magome-juku was the forty-third of the sixty-nine stations of the ancient road that connected Kyoto and Edo (today's Tokyo) during the Edo period.

Nowadays it consists of a beautifully restored row of wooden houses along the former post road. Most houses were built in the mid-18th century by common people and therefore are nothing grant, just extremely interesting. They host shops, restaurants and little exhibition rooms, which makes a day trip to Magome both a relaxing and educative one.

In my opinion, Magome is a cute open air museum stripped of the joys of daily life, lined along a pedestrian only cobblestone street, which makes it quite unusual and unique. Also, only a 3 hour hike away, there is the post town of Tsumago, and if you have time, the hike and the town in itself are worth the trouble.

Takayama

Nowadays Takayama is famous for its well preserved old town dating back to the Edo period. One doesn't visit Takayama seeking religious enlightenment, but rather a certain enlightenment related with design and architecture.

The old wooden houses hosting souvenir shops, restaurants and sake breweries are painfully charming, and walking along the little pedestrian streets is like stepping back in time. There is a wealth of detail related to the daily life and Japanese traditions to be discovered here. It's like the time stood still.

Some of the houses are even open to the public, exhibiting local crafts and arts, providing a window into understanding the lives of the local merchants. Also not to miss, not far from the town center, is the Hida Folk Museum.

Matsumoto Castle

For us, Matsumoto Castle, also known as the 'Crow Castle', was the most beautiful castle we visited in Japan. Situated a 2-hours and a half train ride from Tokyo, it's black and white facade are of an unspeakable elegance.

The town of Matsumoto doesn't stand out in any other way, but even so, the castle in itself it's well worth the trip.

Visiting Matsumoto Castle is an interesting experience to say the least. Expect to have to take off your shoes at the entrance, steep and slippery stairs, low ceilings and dark interiors. Matsumoto Castle is one of the four castles designated as 'National Treasures of Japan' and the oldest castle donjon remaining in Japan.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Where to stay in Tokyo:

Ryokan Asakusa Mikawaya Honten - a budget-friendly Japanese inn located in the traditional area of Asakusa. They have Japanese style rooms, ideal for cultural immersion.

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku - newly opened mid-range hotel in Tokyo's commercial district. Great location and free WiFi.

Where to stay in Kyoto:

Kyoto Guesthouse Lantern - budget accommodation in Gion, the most charming geisha neighborhood in the world. Traditional facilities with a small Japanese garden.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto - located above the JR Kyoto station, which makes it ideal for exploring both Kyoto and the nearby area. Amazing breakfast, beautiful rooms and friendly staff. We personally stayed here and we can't recommend it enough.

How to move around:

The best way to travel around Japan is by using a Japan Rail Pass, a very convenient and economical way to see the country. For train route ideas and city guides, you can check out Japan by Rail.

Further readings:

Before you go to Japan we highly recommend you read the following books for a better understanding of the Japanese culture and lifestyle:
- A Geek in Japan (our favourite book on Japan!)
- Cool Japan (a guide to Tokyo, Kyoto and Tohoku written from a unique Japanese perspective)
- Japan: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (learn how to blend in by understanding the weird, wonderful and downright odd Japanese customs).

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